In Greece and Cyprus orange blossom water is called anthonero, while in Malta it is known as Ilma Żahar.

In the Levant, orange blossom water is known as May Zahr, in MoroccoIlma Zhar and in Algeria Ma Zhar, in Moroccan / Algerian languages meaning “orange blossom water”,in contrast to May Ward or Ilma Ward, which is rose blossom water. Orange blossom water serves two purposes in Algeria and Morocco. One usage is as a perfume or freshener, usually given to guests to wash their hands upon entering the host house or before drinking tea. It is put in a special silver or metal container, recognizable in the Algerian or Moroccan tea set. However, this old custom is fading away in the present day. The main usage of orange blossom water, however, is in Algerian cuisine and Moroccan cuisine, especially as an ingredient for traditional sweets and sometimes to aromatize drinks such as coffee